Father sentenced to over 20 years for rape, sexual assault against toddler daughter, then-wife

A father has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting his three-and-a-half-year-old daughter and his then-wife, according to a ruling by the Central District Court in Lod, Israel. The verdict was delivered on July 19, 2026, following a trial that exposed a pattern of abuse spanning several years. The defendant was found guilty of multiple charges, including rape and sexual assault against both his daughter and his ex-spouse. The court imposed a total sentence of 20 years and three months, combining the current case with a previously suspended three-month sentence from an earlier conviction related to assaulting and threatening the same woman. Additionally, the court mandated that the defendant pay NIS 150,000 in compensation, NIS 100,000 to his former wife and NIS 50,000 to their daughter. The case gained attention due to the method by which the victim’s mother uncovered the abuse. She suspected her husband was sexually abusing their daughter and installed hidden cameras in their home, capable of remote monitoring. After reviewing the footage, she arranged for the defendant to care for the child while she left the house. During this time, the cameras captured repeated instances of the defendant engaging in sexual misconduct with the child, often using his phone to distract her. The court acknowledged the mother’s role in bringing the abuse to light, emphasizing that her actions did not absolve the defendant of responsibility. Instead, the judges commended her “resourcefulness and great courage” for ensuring the child was protected and the abuse was stopped immediately. During the trial, the defendant admitted to the offenses against his daughter, as documented in the video recordings. However, he denied the allegations of raping his former wife. Despite his denial, the court found his testimony unreliable and deemed the prosecution’s account of the assaults credible and supported by additional evidence. The judge noted that the wife had repeatedly confronted the defendant and refused his advances during the incidents. The sexual assaults against the former wife occurred between 2017 and 2019, during the couple’s marriage. Each incident happened while she was asleep, and she woke up to find him engaged in the act. She consistently told him to stop without her consent, but he persisted. The court highlighted the severity of these crimes, stating that they violated the trust inherent in close personal relationships. The prosecution had sought a total sentence of 30 years, citing the defendant’s refusal to accept responsibility for the offenses against his wife despite clear evidence. They argued that his acknowledgment of wrongdoing regarding his daughter came only after being presented with undeniable video proof. The defense, however, requested a six-year sentence, claiming the defendant showed remorse and was open to undergoing treatment. The court rejected the defense’s plea for leniency, noting that the defendant had not completed any form of treatment or undergone a thorough sexual risk assessment. The judges maintained that the sentencing guidelines should reflect the gravity of the offenses, particularly given the nature of the crimes and their impact on the victims. The case underscores the complex legal and emotional challenges faced in prosecuting domestic abuse and incestuous crimes. It also highlights the critical role played by victims' families in uncovering and reporting such abuses, even in the face of significant personal risk. As the defendant begins his sentence, the focus will remain on the long-term recovery and support needed by the victims.